So, when the Kentucky Humane Society (KHS) learned of a puppy in peril and needing the vet care fast, KHS leapt into action without hesitation. My love of the way rescues spring into action has not changed, and this was no different.
From the moment they set foot in there, it was apparent that the little chappie had been through some tough times. With wounds all over his body and a huge bite in his mouth from another animal, he was unable to eat or drink. They named him Quill, and honestly, it tugs at your heart strings to see the animals looking like this.
Emergency Surgery
Quill was brought in for an X-ray, and what they found blew them away. The surgery our vet team performed was to realign and stabilize his jaw bones, which is only a temporary fix. KHS posted about the dog on Facebook: “He could need surgery to remove some portion of his jaw so that he can heal correctly.”
The plight of this poor puppyThe sweet guy had a type of life-threatening punch to its lower jaw, and needless to say he needed immediate surgery. The staff realized they need to swift. They loved on Quill all those days after his surgery. I have experience volunteering at shelters, and a little bit of love goes a long way when it comes to animals.
Caring for Quill over the course of many weeks, as we witnessed his steady-ish but slower recovery from surgery and then take a sudden bad turn. Unfortunately, he acquired an infection that led to him being taken back into theatre. Fortunately, the infection was successfully removed by the team. Proud, brilliant Quill who proved just how tough he is. Quill emerged from the surgery stronger than ever.
Quill is doing well, but always will have a very distinctive appearance because of his trauma. “He lost everything but his spirit is still unbroken,” KHS wrote in a Facebook update.
Best Friend
But Quill wasn’t the only one healing. About two months prior, a kitten named Fritter arrived at the shelter, recovering from an injury to his eye that required removing it and leaving him only two months old. When these two found each other, it was like they had found the missing piece of a puzzle.
While recovering from our vetting department, Fritter nestled up to Quill like they had roomed together in a previous life. The two are inseparable…” KHS Read more
This one was never more than a few steps away from the other, traipsing together about the house like they were joined at the hip, even attempting to share a food bowl. Animals really can have the most incredible connections. My first Q: I once saw a dog take in/ adopt a kitten on the street and everyone said it was adorable!
The staff found it too hard to part them as they had a special bond. They also ensured they put them in the same foster home. And they understood that keeping them together, would allow them to flourish even more.
Forever Home
The couple in the home was shocked at how bonded this feline and pooch were. That paired them together, and they instantly fell in love. They found they just could not live without them and months later, decided to keep them forever!
“My poor little foster [parents] just fell in love with the cuteness and made it illegal. We are now these two survivors will spend the rest of their days as best buddies …” they wrote.
The staff who had invested so much time in caring for these two were delighted. Today Quill and Fritter not only have each other, they have a family that loves them and makes sure that both of these little (actually in real life they are medium to large) puppies know how loved they are every day. And the shelter staff will always cherish them in their hearts. That friendship has melted our hearts … “KHS wrapped up.
Tailpieces like these just hit home for me. According to the ASPCA, approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. shelters nationwide every year! Reading about happy endings like Quill and Fritter’s is a great reminder of the magic that occurs between animals, as well as what shelters do every day.
